"When you get hurt with an injury like that, it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. You're just focused on the present time. So for me to be back out here and playing and practicing again, I'm just happy to be running up and down."
Though he intrigued many during the pre-draft process as a well-rounded 6-foot-8 forward who could do a little bit of everything on offense, it was his potential on the other end of the floor that piqued Dunleavy's interest.
This time, the once-aspiring college basketball player, who was serving as referee for the prison football league that day, immediately made it clear he had no interest in an altercation.
It doesn't feel real. So many hours, so many moments, so many emotions, so many nights of disbelief, so many nights of belief, the Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named Finals MVP, said in a TV interview after the game. This group put in the hours, and we deserve this.